Mr. Michael George Cassell

Michael George Cassell, formerly of Madison and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, passed away on August 14, at his son Terry's house in Annandale, VA. He had suffered a heart attack in May. Born in Corona, NY, he graduated from Flushing High School, was an all-city basketball player and later taught boxing at the New York Athletic Club. He and his wife, Ruth, who died in 2009, were bobby-soxers and danced in Manhattan clubs to the Big Bands of the 1940s. With World War II, Mr. Cassell was called to military service and served almost two years in Europe, earning four Bronze Stars. While overseas, he gave boxing lessons to GIs, and when the great heavyweight champion Joe Louis was touring, Mr. Cassell got in the ring with him for an exhibition match. He also drove a jeep carrying military officers such as General George S. Patton, as well as visiting entertainers, including Marlene Dietrich. In 1952, Mr. Cassell, his wife and their three children moved to Madison. He worked as a traveling salesman for most of his career. And, in the early 1960s, he partnered with a friend in opening the Café Lafayette in the old Stephens Inn in downtown Madison. Employing a Paris-trained chef, the restaurant served the highest quality French food. In retirement, Mr. Cassell became a gourmet cook, specializing in Italian and French cuisines. In 1988, Mr. Cassell and his wife moved to Florida. A son, Michael D. Cassell, died in 1971. Survivors include Douglas M. Cassell of Guilford; James K. Cassell of Silver Spring, Md; Shaileen P. Cassell of West Hartford; Terence M. Cassell of Annandale, Va; and nine grandchildren. Private graveside services were held in Westside Cemetery, North Madison on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. For more information or to send an on-line condolence please visit, www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com